This is an English topographical surname of some antiquity and denotes someone who lived near a conspicuous Oak tree or in or by an Oak wood. The derivation is from the Old English pre 7th Century "ac", Middle English "Oke", meaning "Oak (tree)". Some modern-day bearers of the surname may well derive from any of the minor places named with the word "Oak" or "Oake", such as "Oake" in Somerset, or "Oaken" in Staffordshire. It is possible also that the surname has arisen from a nickname for someone who was very strong as in "strong as an Oak".
There are many variations of the name today, from "O(a)ke" and "Oak(e)s" to "Oakker". Sir Henry Oakes, second baronet (1756 - 1827), was a distinguished lieutenant - general in the East India Company, Service. A Coat of Arms granted to the family is silver, on a chevron engrailed in black, three sprigs of oak fructed proper. A cross of eight points silver, on a canton red, a mullet of as many points within an increscent of silver. The crest being, out of a red mural crown, a buck's head erased proper, gorged with a collar embattled gold, the motto: Persevere. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Adam at the Ock, which was dated 1273, in the "Shropshire Hundred Rolls", during the reign of King Edward 1, known as "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname oke is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of oke. Research into the possible origins of oke leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname oke is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of oke.
It is common for surnames like oke to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that oke has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where oke is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname oke provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.
The historical journey of the surname oke can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of oke. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named oke are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname oke, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of oke developed. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname oke.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname oke, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of oke could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about oke and send it to us, we will update it on this website.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all okes who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname oke, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname oke were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. If you or someone you know bears the surname oke, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname oke. The bibliography collects information related to the surname oke, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of oke are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of oke.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of oke, and at the same time, of surnames in general.